Millard Time

Hike to Millard Waterfall in Los Angeles County

Lace up the waterproof boots for this short hike to one sweet waterfall! The 1.5-mile out-and-back trek to roaring Millard Canyon Falls also makes a splash with stunning panoramas of the San Gabriel Valley. Getting to the trailhead is just a short drive from Pasadena. Park in Millard Day-Use Area and follow signs for Millard Campground, a charming first-come, first-served six-spot locale next to a flowing stream and towering ancient live oaks. Ignore the Sunset Ridge Trail junction and make a right at the first stream crossing, heading into the canyon via a shaded, narrow singletrack.

Throughout the trek, you’ll be boulder hopping and log walking over the post-storm creek, so tread cautiously and wear hiking boots. At times the trail is overgrown, so when in doubt, follow the creek to navigate the canyon. Millard Canyon Falls is absolutely mesmerizing after heavy precipitation. The 50-footer roars over a boulder into a rock pool for the ultimate canyon waterfall experience.

To get to the Millard Canyon trailhead and parking lot, take the I-210 to Lincoln Ave., and head north for 2 miles. Turn right onto Loma Alta Dr., and after about a half mile, turn left onto Chaney Trail, following it 1.5 miles up the mountain and down into the canyon to the lot. National Forest Service Adventure Pass is required ($5/day, $30/year). Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  3. This Is Paradise

    Granite mountain-scape, superb sunset views, crystal lakes, and shoreline campsites … the trip to Paradise Lake in Tahoe National Forest lives up to its idyllic name.

    View
  4. Aloha from California

    Say Aloha without leaving California with a 7-mile out-and-back hiking adventure to Lake Aloha in El Dorado National Forest. You can also camp here, a premier place for stargazing.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  3. Underground Garden

    Looking to escape the summer heat? Head to Fresno and discover its cool secret: the Forestiere Underground Gardens–an enchanting garden and architecture oasis like no other.

    View
  4. Sequoia Re-opens Crystal Cave

    Step inside Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park's hidden world by visiting the newly re-opened Crystal Cave—the only cave in the parks open to the public. Closed for four years, this rare marble karst cavern is welcoming visitors once again, but only through the summer season!

    View